BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Culture has officially received four antique Ban Chiang artifacts from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand during a handover ceremony held at the Issarawinitchai Royal Hall, National Museum, Bangkok. The artifacts include a pottery vessel, a bracelet, and two cylindrical rollers with unidentified functions, originating from Udon Thani Province.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ban Chiang is celebrated as a center of cultural, social, and technological evolution during the prehistoric era, dating back over 3,500 years.
The Return and Restitution Intergovernmental Committee has established a strategy to recover Thai artifacts every three months. U.S. authorities have also informed Thailand that two additional Brahman-Hindu sculptures are in the process of verification and will soon be returned. Once officially received, the four Ban Chiang artifacts will be displayed at the National Museum for public viewing.
This ceremony not only emphasizes the importance of the origins of artifacts but also highlights the strong cultural cooperation between Thailand and the United States. This collaboration builds upon previous efforts, such as the return of the “Standing Shiva” (Golden Boy) in May. The successful return of these significant artifacts required coordination among multiple parties, including the U.S. Embassy and UNESCO. (PRD)
